Genetic Counseling Training Program: Important Application Information
Do I have to participate in NMS Match?
Yes. All applicants must first register for the Match with NMS before applying to participating genetic counseling graduate programs.
What is the minimum required GPA?
A GPA of 3.0 or greater (on a 4.0 scale) is required. Exceptions are be made on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for more information.
If more than one college degree is obtained (Bachelor's or beyond), the highest GPA is considered.
If I have applied in the past, am I required to start a new application?
Yes, you must create a new application, provide a new narrative, updated resume or curriculum vitae, and submit one new letter of recommendation. If we have your transcripts on file, you do not need to have them resent.
Will Canadian applicants need to also submit an official credential evaluating report?
No. Canadian applicants do not need to submit an official credentialing report unless their transcripts are not available in English.
What degree do graduates earn?
Our graduates receive a Master of Medical Science (MMSc) degree in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling from the Emory University School of Medicine and are qualified to sit for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification examination.
Is the program full-time or part-time?
The Emory Genetics Counseling Training Program is a full-time program and consists of a minimum of 76 credit hours taken over 21 months. Students start in the fall semester of the first year, attend through the summer semester between the first and second year, and typically complete the program at the end of the spring semester of the second year. Requests for part-time attendance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
What is the application fee and how do I pay it?
There is a $75.00 non-refundable application fee payable only by credit card. The payment link is in the online application and must be received by the application deadline.
What if I have not completed the prerequisite courses prior to the application deadline?
Genetics must be completed no later than the fall semester of the year of application. One other prerequisite can be taken the following spring, but applicants will be required to demonstrate proof of enrollment and satisfactory progress to be considered for admission.
Do I have to have a science background to enter the program?
No. All students must have successfully completed the prerequisite coursework to enter the program, but many successful applicants have undergraduate degrees in other disciplines such as psychology, social work, public health or education.
Will I need to submit all transcripts?
Yes, we require transcripts from all higher institutions attended, even if you only took one class. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but admitted candidates will be required to send an official transcript prior to matriculation. Candidates should send an updated transcript if grades from fall courses are not available by the application deadline.
If I cannot submit my recommendation letters or transcripts electronically where should I send them?
We prefer that your materials are submitted electronically. However, in the event that this is not possible, please send them to:
Genetic Counseling Training Program
Mail Stop 1370-003-1AE
1462 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30322
Can international students apply?
International students are welcome to apply to the Emory Genetic Counseling Training Program. Applicants who attended undergraduate or prior graduate programs outside of the United States must submit an official Credentialing Evaluation Report (e.g. WES) from each institution attended.
The TOEFL is also required.
Specify Code No. 5187
Emory University, Allied Health Programs.
Please visit International Student Information for more information about attending Emory as an international student.
Do you have any scholarships available?
Scholarships that are available for incoming students include:
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$7,000 Paul M. Fernhoff Genetic Counseling Training Program Scholarship: one-time, merit-based, application required
As part of their Focus Internship, students receive all students receive a yearly scholarship. The scholarship amount varies each year based upon funding sources.
There are various other scholarships and loans awarded through the Office of Financial Aid for graduate students in allied health. Please refer to the Emory Office of Financial Aid.
The Emory Genetic Counseling Program also provides funding for all second-year students to attend the National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Education Conference.
Is the MMSC in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling eligible for STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training)?
Yes. More information is available here.
What financial support is there for international students and what is the difference in tuition fees?
You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for federal financial aid.
Is there a difference between in and out of state tuition the same for all students?
Since we are a private school, there is no in-state and out-of-state tuition. The tuition is the same for all students.
Will you accept high school advanced placement (AP) credits for the prerequisite courses?
We do not accept AP credits for the prerequisite courses. If an AP credit allowed you to skip to a higher-level versus a basic course in college, those course credits are acceptable.
Are online courses permitted as prerequisites?
Yes, but they must be taken for credit at an accredited school of higher education.
Can prerequisite courses be taken pass/fail?
No, letter grades are required for all prerequisite courses. However, we will make an exception for courses changed to P/F in 2020-21 due to the COVID pandemic.
How can I arrange to shadow a genetic counselor or meet with a genetic counselor to get more information?
Search the National Society of Genetic Counselors website for genetic counselors by specialty and location. The listings will indicate if student contact is welcome.
Can I contact graduates or students who are currently in the program to inquire about the program?
Yes, please visit the students & alumni page of the website for a listing of our past and present students and their contact information.
How may I check the status of my application?
Please allow our office two-to-three weeks to receive and process all your application materials. Once your application materials are processed, we will contact you if any of your required items or documents are missing.
If my recommenders are having problems accessing the link or have misplaced the email to fill out their recommendations, what should I do?
In most cases, you are able to send a reminder. To do this, log back into the Application, click on the Recommenders section, then click the "Notify" button again to send (or resend) the email to the recommender.
This email contains the link as well as the Recommender's unique login information.
Because it is a system-generated email, they may need to check their junk/spam folder to see if it was sent there.
Recommenders may also email recommendations to:
Who do I contact if I have questions about the Emory Genetic Counseling Training Program?
MarieAnge Charlestin, Program Coordinator
404-727-2931
Email